Polec: It’s been a great move for me

Loukas Founten
Jul 12, 2018 1:52PM

ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 14: Jared Polec of the Power celebrates a goal during the 2018 AFL round 13 match between the Port Adelaide Power and the Western Bulldogs at Adelaide Oval on June 14, 2018 in Adelaide, Australia. (Photo by AFL Media)

HE came to Port Adelaide from Brisbane with questions about his history of injuries but has developed into one of the side’s barometers, and ahead of his 100th game Jared Polec has credited the move for his consistency.

Having been drafted by Brisbane with pick 5 in the 2010 National Draft from Woodville-West Torrens, Polec managed 16 games in three years before being traded to Port Adelaide, the club he supported growing up.

2014 was a breakout year for the fleet-footed left-footer, before his injury curse struck in 2015 with a persistent foot injury limiting his output.

But after returning in 2016, he has become one of the most important players in the Power line-up with his ability to run and carry and ability to deliver with his left foot.

“It’s been a great move for me, I just love being here and playing for Port Adelaide,” he told Adelaide radio station FIVEaa.

“Being non-injured for two years now has actually helped a lot as well and it’s just good to get some consistency in my game.

“I had a good year last year with consistency and I think it’s just flowed on to this year.

“Being able to do a full pre-season has helped with that as well so it’s good to get some continuity in my body with consecutive games in a row and not having to worry about injuries.”

In 2018, he is averaging 25 disposals and five marks, well above his career average of 20 disposals and four marks.

Renowned as an outside midfielder or wingman, Polec has also added inside work to his game, which included having a career-high 12 tackles against North Melbourne in Round 6.

“I think we’re starting to throw the magnets around the board a bit more to keep teams guessing as well,” he said.

“We’ve got such good versatility in the midfield at the moment with players being able to play on the outside as well as inside.

“I believe this side is as strong as the 2014 side that we had and if we can do everything right on and off the field for the rest of the year we’ll go a long way.”

Polec will play his 100th career game at Perth’s Optus Stadium on Sunday afternoon when the Power takes on Fremantle aiming to record a sixth win in a row.

The last time the Power played there it was belted in the contest in a 42-point loss to West Coast – a fact Polec is very aware of.

“It’s a great ground to play on, it’s definitely a lot harder than any other oval I’ve played on, probably up there with Etihad,” he said.

“It’s a good quick deck but it does suit us.

“We didn’t play it right, we didn’t play a good contested game that game and they got us done but I think we’ll go back over there and have a contested mindset and then get the ball on the outside.”